Pavement surfacing machine



Nov. 30, 1965 w. H. LEWIS 3,220,322

PAVEMENT SURFAG ING MACHINE Filed Aug. 28, 1962 V 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M/468 FIG. I 54 we 542 INVENTOR.

WILLIAM HURST LEWIS BY FULWIDER. PAT TON.

RIEBER, LEE & UTECHT ATTORNEYS Nov. 30, 1965 w. H. LEWIS 3,220,322

PAVEMENT SURFACING MACHINE Filed Aug. 28, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG?) f/04 INVENTOR. WILLIAM HURST LEWIS BY FULWIDER, PATTON,

RIEBER, LEE & UTECHT ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,220,322 PAVEMENTSURFACING MACHINE William Hurst Lewis, 9530 E. Rush St., El Monte,Calif. Filed Aug. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 219,939 4 Claims. (Cl. 94-45) Thepresent invention relates to pavement surfacing machines, and moreparticularly to machines for automatically removing relatively largeirregularities in freshly laid concrete.

In order to provide roadways and other large expanses of concrete, ithas been found most desirable to employ various different pieces ofmachinery each of which performs a diiferent function. That is, due tothe many varied operations that must be performed on the concrete fromthe time that it is laid until it is cured, it has been found mostefficient to segregate such operations to various different pieces ofapparatus. For instance, it is desirable to employ paving machinery forinitially working the concrete after it has been laid. Such pavingapparatus performs the initial functions of generally leveling theconcrete and removing unwanted air pockets and accumulations ofaggregate therein. Thereafter, it is desirable to employ a machine whichis referred to generally as a bump cutter which further levels theconcrete by removing large irregularities in the surface thereof.

Such a bump cutter may be attached to the paving apparatus so as to bedrawn thereby over the section of concrete, or it may be self-propelled,in which latter event it can be used any time after the paving apparatushas performed its operation.

In order to provide the necessary functions, a bump cutter should be soconstructed as to be adjustable for variations in the height and contourof the section of concrete being worked.

The present invention has as one of its objects, the provision of asurfacing machine having means for effectively removing or eliminatingirregularities in the surface of fluid concrete.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a surfacingmachine which includes leveling means for providing a smooth surface forthe concrete.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a surfacingmachine as characterized above which is adapted to be pulled over thesection of concrete by other paving apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a surfacingmachine as characterized above which is selfpropelled so as to beoperable irrespective of the use of other apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a surfacingmachine as characterized above having movable side forms which are partof the machine and which surface the side edges of the section ofconcrete.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a surfacingmachine as characterized above adjustment means for varying the verticalposition of surfacing plates and screeds.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a self-poweredsurfacing machine as characterized above having control means formanipulating the machine as desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide surfacing machinesas characterized above which are simple and inexpensive to manufactureand which are rugged and dependable in operation.

The novel features which I consider characteristic of my invention areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. The device itself,however, both as to its organization and mode of operation, togetherwith additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be PatentedNov. 30, 1965 understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a surfacing machine according to thepresent invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line2--2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary elevational view taken substantially alongline 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line44 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line77 of FIGURE 5; and

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the drive meansfor the embodiment shown in FIG- URE 5.

Like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, there is shown therein a firstembodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises atransverse vibratory screed 10 and a pair of non-vibratory levelingstructures 12 and 14. Such structures 12 and 14 are disposed on oppositesides of screed 10 and are held in spaced relation thereto by a pair oftransversely spaced longitudinal frame elements or support trusses 16and 18. Each truss comprises a lower horizontal member as shown at 16aand 18a respectively, and an upper member having offset end portions asshown respectively at 16b and 18b. The opposite ends of the members 1611and 18b are joined to the adjacent ends of the corresponding lowermembers 16a and 18a, and a plurality of structural members areinterposed therebetween as identified by the reference characters 16cand in said trusses respectively. The trusses 16 and 18 may be formed ofany appropriate material as for instance steel pipe and the like. Suchmembers, of course, can be welded in assembled relation to provide thedesired trusses having the necessary strength and rigidity.

As shown most clearly in FIGURE 2, the vibratory screed 10 comprises ahorizontally disposed vibratory plate 20 for contact with and movementalong the surface of the concrete. Plate 20 is provided with a pair ofside flanges or upturned edges 20a and 20b which extend the entirelength of the vibratory screed.

Disposed in spaced relation along the length of plate 20 is a pluralityof U-shaped brackets 22 in inverted position and having their endportions 22a and 22b fastened to flanges 20a and 2% respectively ofplate 20 by any appropriate means such as welding, brazing or the like.

Connected to each bracket 22 within the corners afforded by the U-shapedconfiguration thereof are a pair of adjustment rods 24 and 26. Aturnbuckle 28 is operatively connected to the contiguously arrangedadjacent adjustment rods, substantially equidistant between the adjacentbrackets 22. As such, since each adjustment rod 24 and 26 is welded tothe respective bracket, means is thereby provided whereby the shape orcontour of the vibratory screed 10 can be varied as desired. By suitableadjustment of the various turnbuckles 28 it is possible to alter thedistance between the upper portion of the adjacent brackets 22 ascompared to the distance between the lower portions thereof, the latterdistance being fixed by the vibratory plate 20. Due to this arrangement,it is possible to adjust the turnbuckles 28 such as to cause the centralportion of plate 20 to be at a higher elevation than the ends thereof.This, of course, may be desirable for tical position with respect to theleveling plate.

operation on roadways or the like which are to be provided with a crown.

A rotatable rod 30 is disposed longitudinally of the vibratory plate 20,and a plurality of appropriate bearing members 32 are attached to theupper surface of the plate 20 in spaced relation thereon. Such bearings32 are firmly secured to plate 20 by any appropriate means and carry therotatable rod 30.

A plurality of weights 34 are eccentrically mounted on shaft 30 forrotation therewith to impart a vibratory action to plate 20. Forrotation of shaft 30, there is provided motive power means which maytake the form of an internal combustion engine 35, there beingappropriate pulleys and transmission means in the form of a belt 37 fortransmitting the output of engine 35' to shaft 30. Thus, operation ofinternal combustion engine 35 causes shaft 30 to rotate so as to causethe eccentrically arranged weights 34 to impart a vibratory action toplate 20.

To facilitate attachment of screed to the trusses 16 and 18, there isprovided between the upturned flanges 20a and 21th of plate 20 a pair ofmounting straps 36 each of which is disposed beneath a separate one ofsaid trusses. Appropriate fastening bolts 38 and 40 are mounted on eachstrap 36 and extend upwardly through suitable transverse openings foundin the lower horizontal member of the corresponding truss. Fasteningnuts 30a and 40a are provided as shown in FIGURE 2 to facilitatevertical positioning of screed 10.

The forward and rearward support or leveling structures 12 and 14respectively are substantially identical in construction, and hence onlystructure 12 will be hereinafter described in detail.

The forward leveling structure 12 comprises a leveling plate 42 havingits lowermost surface located below the trusses 16 and 18 and furtherhaving beveled or upturned leading and trailing edges 42a and 42b.Firmly secured to plate 42 as by welding, brazing or the like, is a pairof oppositely disposed elongated mounting plates 44 and 46, each ofwhich is provided with a vertical portion as shown at 44a and 46arespectively, and a horizontally disposed elongated flange as shown at44b and 46]; respectively. A plurality of stiffening plates 48 arewelded to the upper surface of plate 42 and to the vertically disposedportions of mounting plates 44 and 46 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 4.

Appropriate mounting bolts 50 and 52 are secured to the opposedelongated flanges 44b and 46b and extend upwardly through suitableopenings formed in the lower horizontal member of each of the trusses 16and 18. Appropriate fastening nuts as shown at 50a and 52a are mountedon bolts 50 and 52 respectively on opposite sides of such horizontalmember to facilitate vertical positioning of the leveling structure 12.

Attached to the opposite ends of each of the leveling structures 12 and14 is a side form 54 which is held in spaced relation to the levelingplate by a pair of L-shaped brackets 56 and 58. The horizontallydisposed portions of such L-shaped brackets are secured to the uppersurface of the corresponding leveling plate, adjacent the mountingplates 44 and 46. The depending or vertically disposed portion of eachsuch bracket is welded to the corresponding side form whereby the latteris held in ver- The leading and trailing end portions 540 and 54brespectively of each side form 54 is beveled outwardly to facilitate theleveling action of the side form along the edge of the section ofconcrete.

Also disposed at the opposite ends of each of the leveling structures 12and 14 is a traction member or retractable wheel for transporting thesurfacing machine from job site to job site. Since each of such wheelstructures is of substantially identical construction, only thestructure at the right-hand end of the forward leveling structure 12will be described in detail.

A horizontally disposed shaft 60 is suitably journaled in the twostiffening plates 48 at the end of the adjacent leveling structure. Suchrelationship may be provided in any number of ways within the scope ofthe present invention, and may, in its simplest form comprise suitablethrough openings in such stiffening plates for receiving the shaft 60.

Shaft 66 must be of such length as to extend beyond the adjacent sideform 54. An offset mounting plate 62 is rigidly secured to the end ofshaft 60 which extends beyond the side form 54. A wheel 64 having anaxle 66 is then rotatably mounted on plate 62 in spaced relation to theaxis of rotation of the shaft 60.

To facilitate manual rotation of shaft 60, an operating lever 68 iswelded to shaft 60. Due to this arrangement, when lever 68 is in thesolid line position shown in FIGURE 3 the wheel 64 is in retractedposition as also shown in solid lines. On the other hand, rotation oflever 68 to its broken line position of FIGURE 3 places wheel 64 in itsoperative position, also shown in broken lines therein. In the latterposition, it will be noted, wheel 64 extends beneath the side form 54.Also, with wheel 64 in its operating position the weight of thesurfacing machine urges mounting plate 62 in a counterclockwisedirection as viewed in said FIGURE 3. However, such movement will nottake place due to interference of operating lever 68 with L-shapedbracket 56. Thus wheel 64 will be firmly held in its operating position.

When in retracted position, the weight of lever 68 retains wheel 64 inits solid line position as shown in FIG- URE 3.

To provide additional rigidity and strength to the machine shown inFIGURE 1, tensioning bars or chains 70 can be arranged diagonallybetween the vibratory screed 10 and the leveling structures 12 and 14.Appropriate turnbuckles 72 may be operatively interposed in suchtensioning rods to facilitate adjustment of the shape of the machine.

The first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGURE 1 isconstructed to be pulled over the section of concrete to be leveled. Anyappropriate attachment means such as chains, cables or the like may beused for connecting this machine to other paving apparatus.

In transporting the machine of FIGURE 1 to the job site, the four wheels64 are actuated to their operating positions. As such, the entiremachine is easily pulled over a roadway or the like.

When the machine is properly positioned for commencing its levelingoperation on the section of concrete, the wheels are retracted so thatthe entire weight of the machine rests on the concrete and is guided bythe side forms 54. The internal combustion engine 35 is then put intooperation so as to rotate shaft 30 and thereby vibrate plate 20.

As the machine is transported over a section of fluid concrete, theforward leveling structure 12 levels the upper surface of the concrete.At the same time, the side forms 54, which are being pulled along theground on either side of the section of concrete, effectively level theside edges of such section.

Subsequently the upper surface of the concrete is worked by thevibratory plate 20, the vibratory action thereof tending to bring thefiner aggregate of the concrete mixture to the surface so as to providea smooth surfaces Ultimately, the surface of the concrete is engaged bythe rearward leveling structure 14 and the side forms 54 located ateither end thereof so as to provide additional leveling operation on theconcrete.

Referring to FIGURES 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings, there is showntherein a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodimentcomprises a substantially centrally located vibratory screed 101D and apair of leveling structures 102 and 104 on either side thereof. Screed1110 is substantially identical in construction with the vibratoryscreed 10 of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1. Also, the forward andrearward leveling structures 102 and 104 respectively are constructedsubstantially identically with the leveling structures 12 and 14 ofFIGURE 1, except that the structures 102 and 104 do not include the sideforms 54, brackets 56 and 58 therefor, and the retractable wheelassemblies. Accordingly, the screed 100 and the leveling structures 102and 104 will not be described in detail, reference being available tothe description of corresponding members shown in FIGURE 1.

To maintain the leveling structures 102 and 104 in proper assembledrelation to the vibratory screed 100, a pair of trusses 106 and 108 areprovided. Such trusses are substantially identical to the trusses 16 and18 of the first embodiment, and are attached to screed 100 and levelingstructures 102 and 104 in the same manner as trusses 16 and 18 areattached to corresponding units as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4.

The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGURE 5 isself-powered, and hence is provided with a rectangularly shaped chassis110 which is formed of structural members 110a, 110b, 1100 and 110dwhich may have any appropriate cross sectional configuration inaccordance with good engineering principles, and which may be Weldedtogether to form the chassis 110.

Chassis 110 carries or supports the screed 100 and leveling structures102 and 104, as will hereinafter be explained in detail. A catwalk oroperating platform 112 is provided across structural members 110a and110b of chassis 110, and may be provided with a suitable hand rail 112a.To provide additional support for platform 112, and to furtherstrengthen chassis 110, the latter may include an intermediatestructural member 110e interposed between and fastened to the sidemembers 1100 and 110d.

Suitable motive power means such as an internal combustion engine 114 ismounted on platform 112, there being suitable control means mounted on acontrol panel 116 for proper operation of the surfacing machine ofFIGURE 5. Associated with engine 114 is a compressor for developingfluid pressure for operation of pressure responsive actuators to behereinafter described.

Attached to the opposite sides of the chassis 110 are wheel structuresfor transporting the surfacing machine over the section of concrete.Each such wheel structure comprises a mounting bracket 118 welded orsecured in any other appropriate manner to the adjacent structuralmember 110C or 110d. Pivotally mounted on bracket 118 as by a pivot pin120 is a horizontal member 122 which may be formed with a substantiallysquare cross section.

A drive wheel 124 is attached to each end of horizontal member 122 forrotation thereon. Suitable power transmission means comprising a driveshaft 126 and an intermediate shaft 128 are employed for transmittingthe power of engine 114 to either or both of the wheels 124 on oppositesides of chassis 110. One end of drive shaft 126, of course, isoperatively associated with engine 114 whereas the shafts 126 and 128are connected together by a universal joint 130. Shaft 128 extendsthrough a suitable opening in structural member 110:: and carries adrive gear within structural member 122 for cooperation with an endlesschain 132. Also mounted within structural member 122 for cooperationwith chain 132 and the axles of the corresponding drive wheels 124, areappropriate gears for transmitting the power from the chain to the drivewheels.

To enable the operator of the machine to control the direction of travelthereof, fluid pressure actuators 134 are operatively associated withthe pivotal members 122. Each of such actuators is provided with arelatively stationary end portion 134a which is pivotally mounted withrespect to structural member 110b by means of a tab 110] welded to thelatter and a pivot pin 136 which interconnects end 134a of actuator 134and tab 110 The other end 134b of actuator 134 is connected to a tab122a carried by pivotal member 122. A pivot pin 138 completes theconnection between end 134b of actuator 134 and tab 122a. Suitable fluidpressure lines (not shown) extend between the compressor on platform 112and the actuators 134, and appropriate valve means are interposed insuch lines for controlling the operation of such actuators.

To adjustably support the vibratory screed and the leveling structures102 and 104 on chassis 110, two pairs of vertically spaced sleeves 140are provided on each of the structural members a and 110b. Each pair ofsleeves is located on the respective structural member at the pointwhere the corresponding truss contacts the chassis 110. As shown mostclearly in FIGURE 7 of the drawings, each of the trusses 106 and 108 isformed such that a vertical member thereof is positioned within each ofthe sleeves 140.

A fluid pressure actuator 142 is operatively interposed between thestructural members 110a and 110b and the trusses 106 and 108 whichcooperate therewith. As shown in FIGURE 7, each of said actuators 142has a relatively stationary end portion 142a which is attached to arelatively stationary tab 144 by means of a pivot pin 146. Tab 144, ofcourse, is secured to structural member 110a as by welding, brazing orthe like. The movable end portion 14% of such actuator is pivotallysecured to truss 106 by means of a tab 106d welded to member 10612 and apivot pin 148.

Suitable fluid pressure conduits and control valves connect each of theactuators 142 with the compressor or other source of fluid pressure. Dueto this arrangement, it is possible for the operator on platform 112 toadjust the vertical position of the vibratory screed 100 and theleveling structures 102 and 104 as desired.

By suitable manipulation of the controls, the operator can cause theengine 114 to drive the wheels 124 so as to drive the surfacing machineof FIGURE 5 over the section of concrete to be worked. Such operation,of course, is independent of the operation of any other pavingapparatus. By suitable operation of actuators 134, it is possible forthe entire machine to be turned, as for instance to accommodate a curvein the section of fluid concrete. Through-out such operation the wheels124 straddle the section of concrete.

By simultaneously operating the pressure responsive actuators 142, it ispossible for the operator on platform 112 to position the forwardleveling structure 102, the vibratory screed 100 and the rearwardleveling structure 104 at the proper height with respect to the surfaceof the concrete.

In order to further strengthen the structure of FIGURE 5, appropriatetension members such as chains may be diagonally arranged between thechasis 110 and the forward and rearward leveling structures 102 and 104.

1 Suitable turnbuckles 152 may be interposed in each of such chains tofacilitate varying the tension thereof as desired.

It is thus seen that the present invention provides a surfacing machinewhich is continually operable to properly condition the surface of asection of concrete. Further, such invention teaches the construction ofsuch a machine to be pulled over the section of concrete, and one whichis self-propelled.

Although I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of myinvention I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are possible.My invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as isnecessitated by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pavement surfacing machine to eliminate local surfaceirregularities in an elongated strip of concrete unbounded by side formsand which has already been generally leveled by conventional means, saidmachine comprising:

a pair of longitudinally spaced, transverse leveling plates, each havingan upturned leading edge adapted to smoothly engage the surface of saidstrip of concrete, said leveling plates being adapted to span the width.of said strip of concrete and slide upon said strip of concrete forsupporting said machine during a surfacing operation thereof;

' transversely spaced longitudinal frame elements extending between andrigidly connected at their opposite extremities to said leveling platesabove the lowermost surfaces of said plates; and

a transverse vibrating screed connected to and suspended beneath saidframe elements intermediate said leveling plates for operation uponsurface irregularities of said strip of concrete.

2. A pavement surfacing machine according to claim 1 and including sideforms mounted to the extremities of said plates and adapted to engagethe vertical sides of said strip of concrete.

3. A pavement surfacing machine according to claim 1 and includingtransporting means having traction members adapted to engage the groundor other surface outwardly of both side margins of said strip ofconcrete whereby said machine is longitudinally transportable, andfurther having means vertically movably connecting said traction membersto said frame elements whereby said plates are freely movable verticallyrelative to said traction members for accommodation to the surface ofsaid strip of concrete regardless of the contour of the surface engagedby said traction members.

4. A pavement surfacing machine according to claim 1 and including aplurality of wheels and a corresponding plurality of means retractablymounting said wheels to the opposite extremities of said plates wherebysaid wheels are extendable to raise said plates off said strip of conicrete for transportation of said machine out of engagement with saidstrip of concrete.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 20,611 1/1938 Nickerson 94-44 1,092,280 4/1914 McKean 94-45 1,388,690 8/1921Baker 94-45 2,065,698 12/ 1936 Heltzel 94-44 2,094,910 10/ 1937 Baily94-48 2,251,095 7/ 1941 Wood 94-46 2,333,041 10/ 1943 Poulter 94-452,403,820 7/1946 Miller 94-44 2,430,816 11/1947 Jackson 94-48 2,562,4307/1951 Lutz 94-44 3,015,257 1/1962 Apel et a1. 94-45 FOREIGN PATENTS191,990 1/ 1923 Great Britain.

OTHER REFERENCES Civil Engineering, September, 1948, page 35.

Construction Methods and Equipment, April 1952, page 13.

Construction Methods and Equipment, September 1953, page 128.

Construction Methods and Equipment, March 1954, page 82.

CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Examiner.

1. A PAVEMENT SURFACING MACHINE TO ELIMINATE LOCAL SURFACEIRREGULARITIES IN AN ELONGATED STRIP OF CONCRETE UNBOUNDED BY SIDE FORMSAND WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN GENERALLY LEVELED BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS, SAIDMACHINE COMPRISING: A PAIR OF LONGITUDINALLY SPACED, TRANSVERSE LEVELINGPLATES, EACH HAVING AN UPTURNED LEADING EDGE ADAPTED TO SMOOTHLY ENGAGETHE SURFACE OF SAID STRIP OF CONCRETE, SAID LEVELING PLATES BEINGADAPTED TO SPAN THE WIDTH OF SAID STRIP OF CONCRETE AND SLIDE UPON SAID